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Real Life

OCTOBER 2021

"You're a mistake." From the moment I was born, my mum refused to even look at me.
“What's that on your face?” My whole life, I've been constantly reminded of my birthmark.
'Poo talk is definitely a mood killer.' What it's like to date with an ostomy bag.
'I had a stroke at 41. My friend told me I should "see it as a wake up call".'
'We can't unsee what we see.' The reality of working as a child protection caseworker.
'I was body shamed when I was 11. It's stayed with me for decades.'
"We're exhausted, languishing, mourning": A letter to Melbourne as we open up.
'I had a skin cancer check. During my consultation, the doctor suggested a 'mum tum' treatment.'
Brittany Poolaw, aged 21, had a miscarriage. She's been jailed for 4 years for it.
'I worked in Parliament House for 3 years. Here are some of the things I witnessed.'
MIA FREEDMAN: 'I've known Lisa Wilkinson for 30 years. Here's what the public doesn't know about her.'
'I was in denial about my abusive relationship. Then I watched Netflix's Maid.'
Aged 13, Ashley became the sole carer for her mum. She says it made their relationship "really hostile".
'I flew to Hollywood to meet a stranger. Five days in, I realised it was a catastrophic mistake.'
For 25 years, Charlene made her living as a catwalk model. Age 52 she was homeless, living in her car.
'I’m about to turn 40. Here are 6 things I wish I’d known in my 30s.'
Lea carried her twins to term knowing only one of them would survive.
I lost a brother I never knew. Here is how I deal with it now.
'My scan showed my baby boy had Down Syndrome. The comments from some friends were so hurtful.'
"I cannot and will not forgive or forget." The life lesson from Holocaust survivor, Eddie Jaku.
"I felt stupid." What really happened when Lisa Wilkinson was "dismissed" from the Today show.
'For years I used the size of my body as a coping mechanism. It almost destroyed me.'
As a teenager, Haneen fled war-torn Iraq. Here's how studying beauty changed her life.
'Like Chrissy Teigen, I lost my baby. Now I feel my body has no purpose.'